Live reading
The Half-Hour Hour (near LA)
The Glendale Room 127 Artsakh Avenue, Glendale, CA, United StatesSick of promising your friend you’ll read their pilot? Now you don’t have to! Join us at The Half-Hour Hour. Part table read and part comedy show, help aspiring TV writers get something they rarely do: an audience. It’s got everything! A script! Actors reading the script! Openers to get you ready to laugh! Sit back, relax, and listen while we do the hard part (i.e. read other’s people’s screenplays). Pilot of the month: Unexpected by Ayla Glass Julia and […]
Netflix Is a Joke: Chris Rock’s Table Reads (in LA)
Hollywood Palladium 6215 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, United StatesJoin comedy icon Chris Rock as he hosts a table read of When Harry Met Sally featuring an all-star lineup of talent. Starts 10PM PT
THE NABOO MOVIE: A LIVE STAGED READING OF THE PHANTOM MENACE (in LA)
Dynasty Typewriter at Hayworth Theater 2511 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, United StatesTHE NABOO MOVIE: A LIVE STAGED READING OF THE PHANTOM MENACE 25 years ago visionary filmmaker George Lucas showed us an astonishing world of podracing, Midichlorians and battle droids, and now weesa gonna celebrate! On May 19th at Dynasty Typewriter, the guys behind Star Wars Minute and The George Lucas Talk Show are proud to present a LIVE reading of the original Phantom Menace screenplay, with a wizard cast including some of the galaxy’s hottest stars (…and maybe some surprises?!) […]
Kate & Danny Tamberelli Brooklyn Event for The Road Trip Rewind (in NYC)
The Ripped Bodice-Brooklyn 218 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, United StatesWe're hosting a 90s-themed book launch in Brooklyn with authors Danny & Kate Tamberelli on Wednesday, May 21st at 7pm. They will discuss their new novel, THE ROAD TRIP REWIND, with Lori Beth Denberg (Nickelodeon's All That). There will be a book signing to follow. This is a ticketed event that includes the book and art print swag. Can't attend the event? Signed books are available to order HERE for Brooklyn in-store pick-up and shipping until May 14th. About THE ROAD TRIP REWIND: Readers of Christina Lauren […]
Paul Scheer + Busy Philipps: Joyful Recollections of Trauma (in NYC)
Strand Book Store 828 Broadway, New York, NY, United StatesJoin us for an in-person event with actor, comedian and podcaster Paul Scheer for a discussion of his debut memoir Joyful Recollections of Trauma. Joining Paul in conversation is New York Times best-selling author, actor, activist and writer, Busy Philipps. This event will be hosted in the Strand Book Store's 3rd floor Rare Book Room at 828 Broadway on 12th Street. Starts 7PM ET
Book Talk! Paul Scheer’s Joyful Recollections of Trauma (in LA)
Chevalier’s Books 126 North Larchmont Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, United StatesFrom award-winning actor and comedian Paul Scheer, a candid and hilarious memoir-in-essays on coming to terms with childhood trauma and finding the joy in embracing your authentic self. Paul Scheer has entertained countless fans and podcast listeners with stories about the odd, wild, and absurd details of his life. Yet these tales have pointed to deeper, more difficult truths that the actor and comedian has kept to himself. Now, he is finally ready to share those truths for the first […]
Live Read: Wayne’s World (in LA)
Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts 9390 North Santa Monica Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA, United StatesParty on, dudes! Grab your favorite flannel and “schwing!” on over to Wayne and Garth’s party basement, because Film Independent is rocking out with an excellent Live Read of the classic comedy Wayne’s World. Actor, writer and director Zoe Lister-Jones (SLIP, Band Aid, New Girl, How It Ends, Beau Is Afraid) will direct this crowd-pleasing blast from the past, from writers Mike Myers, Bonnie Turner and Terry Turner, and director Penelope Spheeris. Guests will experience one of cinema’s most memorable metalhead duos, enjoy epic music moments, and […]
PRIYANKA MATTOO PRESENTS BIRD MILK & MOSQUITO BONES W/ JESSI KLEIN (in LA)
The Elysian 1944 Riverside Drive, Los Angeles, CA, United StatesBIRD MILK & MOSQUITO BONES - Join us for a night with Priyanka Mattoo for a reading and conversation/Q & A with Jessi Klein. About the Book: From a wry, insightful, and very funny new voice, here is one woman’s search for home, from Kashmir to England to Saudi Arabia to Michigan to Rome and, finally, to Los Angeles—standalone essays that together form a sweeping portrait of a peripatetic life. “I would follow Priyanka Mattoo to the ends of the […]
Well, This Is Me: A Book Launch and Comedy Show (in NYC)
littlefield 635 Sackett Street, Brooklyn, NY, United StatesBeloved New Yorker cartoonist Asher Perlman launches his debut cartoon book (Well, This Is Me) and hosts a comedy show AT THE SAME TIME. Asher is joined by Jordan Klepper (The Daily Show) and other special guests for what is sure to be the most fun you have ever had in your entire life. Be sure to arrive early for the book signing <3 Starts 8PM ET
The Powerpuff Dolls (in NYC)
Pine Box Rock Shop 12 Grattan Street, Brooklyn, NY, United StatesThe Hottest Pride event of the season just dropped and it’s: AN ALL-TRANS* TABLE READ OF THE SCRAPPED CW POWERPUFF GIRLS PILOT! (*and our token cis villain.) Revel in a telling of the pilot that The CW’s own CEO said “didn’t work … it felt a little too campy and not rooted in reality.” Well baby we are looking camp RIGHT IN THE EYE. STAR STUDDED CAST Hosts/Direction - Max Gross & Micah Eames Blossom - Esther Fallick Bubbles - Riylan Mills Buttercup - Sunny Laprade The Professor […]
Jiggle Friends Friendship Hour (in LA)
Lyric Hyperion Theatre & Café 2106 Hyperion Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, United StatesHow on EARTH are you supposed to keep up with all things fun and friendly in the Jiggle Friends Universe? There's only one answer: tune in to Jiggle Friends Friendship Hour. A talented lineup of actors will bring to life an absurd comedic play that explores the world of superfandoms through various lenses while tackling big themes like "inevitable decay" and "job." As the work is still in progress, your REAL, ACTUAL feedback is very much welcome! written by Mary […]
Live Talks LA: Simon Rich with Kristen Schaal
Glorya Kaufman Performing Arts Center 3200 Motor Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, United StatesSimon Rich with Kristen Schaal discussing his collection of stories, Glory Days Starts 8PM PT
Chuck Tingle’s BURY YOUR GAYS Book Launch Event! (in LA)
Dynasty Typewriter at Hayworth Theater 2511 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, United StatesJoin us for the launch of BURY YOUR GAYS, the new novel by Chuck Tingle! CHUCK TINGLE (he/him) is the USA Today bestselling author of Camp Damascus. He is a mysterious force of energy behind sunglasses and a pink mask. He is also an anonymous author of romance, horror, and fantasy. Chuck was born in Home of Truth, Utah, and now splits time between Billings, Montana and Los Angeles, California. Chuck writes to prove love is real, because love is the most important tool we have […]
Book launch party! Swan Huntley with Emily Hampshire (near LA)
Zibby's Bookshop 1113 Montana Avenue, Santa Monica, CA, United StatesThe Infatuation and Zibby's Bookshop invite you to an exclusive book party celebrating the launch of Swan Huntley's fourth novel, I WANT YOU MORE. Swan will be joined in conversation by actress Emily Hampshire. About the book: When ghostwriter Zara becomes entwined with celebrity chef client, Jane Bailey, she starts to see the side Jane keeps hidden from the cameras and gets stuck in a plot she never saw coming. Reeling from the death of her domineering father, Zara Pines accepts a […]
NOT FUNNY: a night of serious prose (in LA)
Lyric Hyperion Theatre & Café 2106 Hyperion Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, United StatesSwan Huntley and Gina Young host NOT FUNNY: a night of serious prose. Let's get literary with a very serious lineup of talent bringing you new work that is not funny at all. This month's theme: FAILURE. Featuring: NAZ RIAHI (she/her) is an Iranian writer, filmmaker and performer. Vibrations, her debut collection of short stories will be published in May by Dopamine Books. ALI LIEBEGOTT is a writer and painter who is the author of four books including The Summer of Dead […]
Maria Bamford & Scott Marvel Cassidy sign copies of Hogbook and Lazer Eyes (near LA)
Vroman’s 695 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA, United StatesFans of Maria Bamford’s acclaimed quasi-autobiographical Lady Dynamite! Netflix series already know of her romance with LA painter Scott Marvel Cassidy, as well as her droll pug sidekicks Blueberry and Bert.Now the story has been recounted in the graphic novella Hogbook and Lazer Eyes, written by Bamford/Cassidy, drawn by Cassidy, and all told by the rescue dogs they’ve adopted. For those unfamiliar with the story, newly single fortysomethings Maria Bamford and Scott Cassidy each signed up on the dating site O.K. Cupid, under […]
Desiree Akhavan presents You’re Embarrassing Yourself (in NYC)
P&T Knitwear Books & Podcasts 180 Orchard Street, New York, NY, United StatesP&T Knitwear is pleased to welcome Desiree Akhavan to celebrate the release of her debut book, You're Embarrassing Yourself: a collection of seventeen essays that chart an artist’s journey from outcast to overnight indie darling, to (somewhat) self-aware adult woman, capturing the pathetic lows and euphoric highs of our youth—and how to survive them. Along with a discussion and audience Q&A, Desiree will be signing copies of You're Embarrassing Yourself. Starts 6PM ET
Anna Marie Tendler presents MEN HAVE CALLED HER CRAZY (in LA)
Dynasty Typewriter at Hayworth Theater 2511 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, United StatesAnna Marie Tendler is an artist and writer. She holds a master’s degree in costume studies from New York University. She lives in Connecticut with her three cats, Chimney, Moon, and Butter. Chani Nicholas is a Los Angeles–based New York Times best-selling author and astrologer with a community of over one million monthly readers. She has been a counseling astrologer for more than 20 years, guiding people to discover and live out their life’s purpose through understanding their birth chart. She has been featured […]
Letters & Sodas: LIC Rooftop Reading Series (in NYC)
The Greats of Craft 43rd Avenue, Queens, NY, United StatesJoin us for a Reading Series in our lounge with host Lana Schwartz, author of Build Your Own Romantic Comedy. Lana will be joined by local comedians and writers reading from their original works. Come for the letters, stay for the sodas!* Lineup Includes** Emma Davey (Greenpointers) Swati Sudarsan (Catapult, Maudlin House) Evelyn Frick (Reductress, Vulture) Michelle Cohn (McSweeney's, Electric Literature) Matt Mancini (Unsane) Pooja Reddy (Kutti Gang) Starts 7:30PM ET
Let’s Table It – Rejected Sketches Table Reads (in NYC)
Caveat 21 A Clinton Street, New York, NY, United StatesNYC's funniest people dust off sketch scripts that never quite made it anywhere... except to this stage, for one night only! Comedians, playwrights, and late-night writers bring their favorite red-headed stepchildren to Caveat to be read by their friends and colleagues! Lineup: Jenny Hagel (Seth Meyers) Sharon Spell (The Moth) Chloe Radcliffe (Fallon) Kenice Mobley (Tonight Show) Johanna Gorman (McSweeney’s, New Yorker) Jean Grae (galactic) Hilary Campbell (New Yorker) Felipe Torres Medina (Colbert) Taylor Kay Phillips (Last Week Tonight) Tracy […]
WITCHES OF HIGHWAY 30 LIVE TABLE READ (in LA)
The Elysian 1944 Riverside Drive, Los Angeles, CA, United StatesJoin us for a live reading of the pilot of an animated series staring Andrew Dismukes, written by Aly Dixon, Elizabeth Schantz, and Jess Uhler! Witches of Highway 30 After inheriting an empty lot from his late father, Andrew decides to turn it into his legacy: a parking lot. Little does he know, he is disturbing the forest shared by three unruly witches and one strange little boy. Featuring: Andrew Dismukes, Maria Bamford, Eve Lindley, Missi Pyle, Brendan Scannell, Oscar […]
Hot Reads (in LA)
Lyric Hyperion Theatre & Café 2106 Hyperion Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, United StatesSome of LA's best comedians send us their weirdest sketches. We print off paper scripts and highlight roles. And those same comedians grab scripts at random and perform them for you live. No rehearsals. No prior casting. Just HOT READS. There's also an optional drinking game! Grab a beverage at the Lyric Hyperion bar and join the cast as we drink whenever certain buzz words are said during the sketches! Originated in Chicago, Hot Reads is an experimental sketch comedy […]
Live Talks: Kate McKinnon with Awkwafina (near LA)
New Roads School 3131 Olympic Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA, United StatesKate McKinnon with Awkwafina discussing her debut novel, The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science Starts 4PM PT
AP LIT: A NIGHT OF READINGS (in LA)
Dynasty Typewriter at Hayworth Theater 2511 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, United StatesCredits will transfer to a college of your choice. With Pat Regan, Chase Bernstein, Carey O'Donnell, and Chloe Caldwell Starts 7:30PM PT
Live Talks LA: Randy Rainbow with Pamela Adlon (in LA)
Robert Frost Auditorium 4401 Elenda Street, Culver City, CA, United StatesRandy Rainbow with Pamela Adlon discussing his book, Low-Hanging Fruit: Sparkling Whines, Champagne Problems, and Pressing Issues from My Gay Agenda Starts 4PM PT
F*ck Hut Music School For Teens – SELAH Fundraiser (in LA)
Lyric Hyperion Theatre & Café 2106 Hyperion Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, United StatesA staged reading of Mitra Jouhari's play "F*ck Hut Music School For Teens". All proceeds to benefit SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition. selahnhc.org Starts 7:30PM PT
Book Talk! Allison Raskin’s I DO (I THINK) (in LA)
Chevalier’s Books 126 North Larchmont Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, United StatesJoin us for an evening with author Allison Raskin as she delves into the complexities and uncertainties of modern marriage. Starts 6PM PT
F*ck Hut Music School For Teens – SELAH Fundraiser (in LA)
Lyric Hyperion Theatre & Café 2106 Hyperion Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, United StatesA staged reading of Mitra Jouhari's play "F*ck Hut Music School For Teens". All proceeds to benefit SELAH Neighborhood Homeless Coalition. selahnhc.org Starts 7:30PM PT
Book Release: Scary Stories to Make You Scared of Stories (in LA)
The Glendale Room 127 Artsakh Avenue, Glendale, CA, United StatesJoin the Boo Boys (Nate Fernald and Zach Broussard) for a Book Release Event™ full of terrifying, yet sophisticated literary toilet humor. Starts 8PM PT
Eddie Pepitone Presents Prosaic: Standup & Live Table Read (in LA)
The Elysian 1944 Riverside Drive, Los Angeles, CA, United StatesA standup show that will feature Eddie Pepitone and a few cast members from the table read. The table read will be for Prosaic, an original pilot created by Eddie Pepitone, Steven Feinartz and Billy Domineau (SNL, Family Guy). Written by Billy Domineau. Featuring Dan Stevens, Fred Melamed, Frankie Quinones, Kirk Fox and Blair Socci Starts 9:30PM PT
Next Slide Please (in NYC)
Caveat 21 A Clinton Street, New York, NY, United StatesNext Slide Please invites comedians to prepare and present PowerPoints about whatever they want. That could mean a data-driven ranking of the best Manhattan street corners for first date make-outs, pitches for start-up investment opportunities that are *probably* not scams, or a passionate defense of the 2003 Jessica Alba vehicle "Honey" (21% on Rotten Tomatoes). Hosted by Reed Kavner and featured in The New York Times and Gothamist, Next Slide Please has been called “more entertaining than your last meeting,” […]
An Evening with David Sedaris (near LA)
The United Theater on Broadway 929 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA, United StatesAn evening with celebrated humorist and author David Sedaris Starts 7:30PM PT
Dead Pilots Society (in LA)
The Elysian 1944 Riverside Drive, Los Angeles, CA, United StatesIn Dead Pilots Society, scripts that were developed by studios and networks but were never produced are given the table reads they deserve. Presented by Andrew Reich (Friends; Born Innocent: The Redd Cross Story) and Ben Blacker (Thrilling Adventure Hour; Retrospecs). Our November 17 show features scripts by John Enbom (co-creator, Party Down) and Brendan Scannell (Loot) & Amy Reed (Diary of a Future President). Cast includes: Martin Starr (Party Down; Spider-man) Ryan Hansen (Party Down; Veronica Mars) Olivia Liang […]
Hairy Butthole Live! (in LA)
Dynasty Typewriter at Hayworth Theater 2511 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, United StatesHairy Butthole is a show hosted by comedian Youngmi Mayer based on the Korean saying “If you laugh while crying hair grows out of your butthole!” An interactive audience-participation show, you’re sure to laugh and cry(and have hair grow out of your butthole)! Starts 7:30PM PT
The Cinnamoji Movie: A Reading (in NYC)
Caveat 21 A Clinton Street, New York, NY, United StatesHave you ever enjoyed a delicious bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch and wondered, "Why hasn't Hollywood made a movie about this?" Hosts Joe Gustaferro and Ella Attell are on a mission to change that. The Cinnamoji Movie is a coming-of-age comedy about an anthropomorphic piece of Cinnamon Toast Crunch named Cora, and it just so happens to be in development hell. Brilliant comedians and actors will perform a hilarious live reading of their screenplay about an iconic consumer packaged good. […]
PLANES, TRAINS, and ?: A Musical and Improvisational Parody (in LA)
UCB Franklin 5919 Franklin Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, United StatesPlanes, Trains, and ? is a musical and improvisational parody of the John Hughes classic holiday travel nightmare film adapted for the stage with a cast of three. One actor plays the Steve Martin role, one actor plays the John Candy role, and one actor plays everyone else. Featuring: Ithamar Enriquez (Wandavision, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Miracle Workers, The Second City) as Neal Page, Frank Caeti (MADtv, Jimmy Kimmel Live, UCB, The Second City) as Del Griffith, and Jaime Moyer (Bob’s Burgers, Night Court, Modern Family, The […]
Some Fun Lines: A Satire and Humor Showcase (in NYC)
Caveat 21 A Clinton Street, New York, NY, United StatesSOME FUN LINES is New York’s greatest (and only-est) satire and humor reading mic. Join hosts Johnathan, Chandler, and Maeve for this special showcase of some of the best satire and humor writers on planet earth! HOSTED BY: Johnathan Appel (Last Week Tonight) Chandler Dean (Lovett or Leave It) Maeve Dunigan (The New Yorker) FEATURING: Talib Babb (The New Yorker) Henry Block (The Onion) Ginny Hogan (Comedy Central) Amanda Lehr (McSweeney's Internet Tendency) Moss Perricone (Saturday Night Live). Lana Schwartz […]
FINAL RESTING PLACE Staged Reading: Benefit for PEACE OVER VIOLENCE (in LA)
The Broadwater 6320 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, United StatesAli MacLean's FINAL RESTING PLACE will be performed at the Broadwater Theater Second Stage on Wednesday, December 4th. The winner of the International Centre for Women Playwrights Amy Oestreicher Award, the play will be read as a benefit for the non-profit Peace Over Violence. Featuring a cast including: Betsy Brandt (Breaking Bad, The Unicorn), Dale Dickey (Hell or High Water, Winter’s Bone), Evangeline Edwards (Heroes of the Fourth Turning/Rogue Machine), Jackie Emerson (Chicago Med, Hunger Games), Jackie Harris Greenberg (Yes Man), Juliet […]
Comedians (And Other People) Read Essays (in LA)
Secret LA Location Los Angeles, CA, United StatesThis is the show where comedians (and other people) read essays that they've written. We call it "Comedians (And Other People) Read Essays" Location: 1807 W Silver Lake Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90026 (This is a house, and the show is in the backyard) Readers this month: Ellory Smith (@ellorysmith) Sarah Claspell (Co-owner of WGIS Improv, Brooklyn Nine-Nine) Mary Sasson (Comedy Central) Ru Anderson (Eyes Up Here @ The Elysian) Adam Hadley (@interweb.adam) Hosts: Madeline Walter (Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Killing It) Evan […]
Retrospecs (in LA w/Livestream)
The Elysian 1944 Riverside Drive, Los Angeles, CA, United StatesBack in the early days of television (the 1990s), writers hoping to break in would write episodes of existing shows; these "spec" scripts were never meant to be produced, only to serve as samples for the aspiring writer. Spec scripts have gone out of fashion, but, in addition to being a great way to learn the craft, they were a lot of fun! You got to see the stamp individual writers put on your favorite shows. In Retrospecs, we dig […]